PM - Connecting Rods: Porosity Versus Performance - An Inevitable Conflict?

Since many years sinterforged con-rods produced via different forging processes (near net shape or net shape forging) are successful in operation in several automotive engines. Latest results of different con-rod projects (partially funded by the German Government) show that even sintered components with densities in the range of 7,1 g/cm³ offer fatigue strength values comparable

to those of sinterforged con-rods. The processing has a major influence to the fatigue behaviour and to machinability. Experiments with test bars allow only limited correlation to real components. So it is necessary to compare performance and cost-structure of finished con-rods to give a reliable evaluation for the capabilities of different manufacturing routes.